Rehabilitation nurses’ knowledge, experiences, and perceptions of the provision of psychological care to stroke patients: Systematic Review

Introduction: Depression and/or anxiety is associated with sub-optimal recovery and a reduction in quality of life for patients following a stroke. However, the literature suggests that the psychological needs for patients post stroke are insufficient with poor provision of psychological services. Aim: To examine HCPs knowledge, experiences, and perceptions of the provision of psychological care to patients post stroke. Methods: A systematic review referenced to PRISMA guidelines was used. The studies were retrieved from six databases (CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley Online library and Ovid SP). Twelve studies were included in the final analysis. Results: Findings demonstrate that HCPs have a basic understanding of the psychological/emotional problems associated with stroke. Psychological care was identified as been given a low priority within stroke rehabilitation services and described as inconsistent, uncoordinated, and ad hoc. Barriers to providing psychological care included: poor access to specialist expertise; lack of resources and poor managerial support. Furthermore, the need for specialist supports via case discussion and reflective practice was identified. Conclusions: This review suggests that improvements in terms of psychological care and services offered to patients post stroke is needed as is the value of support from managers to provide sufficient resources. This review has the potential to assist policymakers to understand the barriers and potential facilitators to psychological care provision to patients post stroke.